Who painted N. A. Nekrasov in the Period of "The Last Songs"?

N. A. Nekrasov in the Period of "The Last Songs" was painted by Ivan Kramskoi.

Where can I see N. A. Nekrasov in the Period of "The Last Songs"?

N. A. Nekrasov in the Period of "The Last Songs" is held by Tretyakov Gallery.

What movement is N. A. Nekrasov in the Period of "The Last Songs"?

N. A. Nekrasov in the Period of "The Last Songs" is associated with Realism.

Artwork

N. A. Nekrasov in the Period of "The Last Songs"

Ivan Kramskoi

N. A. Nekrasov in the Period of "The Last Songs" is an oil painting by the Realist artist Ivan Kramskoi. It is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

About this work

Overview

Ivan Kramskoi’s 1889 oil portrait captures the Russian poet Nikolay Nekrasov at the end of his literary career, during the composition of *The Last Songs*. Executed in a realist style, the work is part of the Tretyakov Gallery’s collection and exemplifies Kramskoi’s focus on psychological presence.

Subject & Meaning

Nekrasov is shown reclining on a couch, robed in white, his long beard and contemplative gaze suggesting the reflective mood of his final verses. He holds a sheet of paper, hinting at his ongoing literary activity, while the surrounding objects reinforce an atmosphere of quiet study.

Technique & Style

Kramskoi employs restrained realism and chiaroscuro to model the figure and interior, creating depth through contrasts of light and shadow. The careful rendering of textures—fabric, paper, and wood—underscores the painter’s commitment to direct observation and psychological nuance.

History & Provenance

Created in 1889, the portrait entered the Tretyakov Gallery’s holdings, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s mission to preserve works by leading Peredvizhniki artists and to document key cultural figures of 19th‑century Russia.

Context

As a prominent member of the Peredvizhniki, Kramskoi sought to depict everyday reality and moral depth. This portrait aligns with the movement’s aim to portray notable individuals in a manner that reveals their inner lives, rather than idealized heroism.